Camping At home

Hello,

We still ate almost all of the food that Brian bought. He also did much of the cooking. Nice to have him take over that task.

What did we do while we were here? We went to another close state park where we could walk across the dam. On the way home we stopped to get the best ice cream in the country. We also rode bikes much of the time. Using the bikes they brought as well as two trikes that our downstairs friends let us borrow provided hours of fun. That certainly occupied much of our time with differing groups and combinations of people riding. It is so great to have a bike trail close to our house.

We also played Boggle. I was surprised that the kids liked it so well. We did not get out another game even though I had anticipated that Boggle would not be good for long.

Paula

Camping

Hello,

On Thursday we met Brian and his children at the campgrounds that is only about 12 miles from our home. There was a nice shady spot where we could pitch our tent close to theirs. We set up, took a nice hike on a trail and had a good meal, mostly provided by Brian who does a good job organizing, planning, and cooking. Leroy and I did clean up.

Our downstairs friends came to see our camp set up and check it all out. It was great to see them just to see them, and since they loaned me a mattress which was in their van. My camping pad did not seem to get very firm.

Later we prepared for bed when Leroy and I decided go to the bathroom one more time only to learn that it was closed because of sewer problems. There was another that we could use but it was at least a five minute walk away. Sometimes that is pushing the limits for us. We enjoy walking but bathroom stops sometimes do not leave so much notice. The second option was also a pit toilet. At least there would be no sewer problems there.

During the night Leroy, with a certain amount of embarrassment,  went in the bushes and I struggled a bit more. It was rather stressful. Leroy announced emphatically at dawn, “I am not staying another night!”

By the time Brian got up it was starting to look like rain. At this point Brian said, “I do not really want to stay here and go so far to the bathroom. Who knows when this will be fixed? With the possible rain it could be quite a problem to make the hike.”

We had some breakfast and hurriedly took down camp with just moments to spare. In fact we had a few drops on us, but not too bad.

We came back to our apartment with relief. I was a little uncomfortable being with these people I love very much, but had not seen for some time. None of us had been tested for the virus, but we just decided that we would move ahead and hope for the best. Somehow it is easier to avoid people with whom I do not have such a close connection. What a strange thing to feel this approach/avoidance.

Paula

Way of Living

Hello,

Leroy talked with his boss this morning and learned that three people have been laid off because of lack of funds. Somehow that brings that reality closer to our view. We can survive without our work salaries, but the people who were let go will have a harder time.  Brings to the forefront of our minds, thoughts of the economy, employees, employers, and business. How will they survive in these turbulent times?

I also know that the virus is not done with us yet. So how are health and the economy managed? It is certainly not an easy question. I would feel better about it all if I knew that some cool heads from all sides were facing the quandary in a more detached, rather than emotional manner. Seems that no blaming should be a rule and solutions of all types brought forth and considered would be good for finding the best road even if it probably would not be a perfect road as this is not a perfect situation.

We are getting much rain. Leroy and I picked our first black raspberries yesterday. They were delightful. This morning we went out early to get some mulberries for breakfast and managed to get back to the house before the rain developed into a downpour. We were damp but not dumped on.

Yesterday a friend gave us lettuce and a little spinach from their garden along with a half a red cabbage. What luxury!

Paula

Wet Clothes

Hello,

This morning, Leroy gave me the weather report from his phone. There was to be rain at seven and then not until one in the afternoon. That seemed like a nice window to hang out the sheets and other light colored things. It did not rain at seven and that should have triggered a clue that this weather report did not do a good job. Optimism prevailed and all the clothes went out on the line. I came back in and started to vacuum with ear plugs in since the noise is bothersome to me. When I got done with the hall I stopped the vacuum and noticed there was a noise outside. Sure enough, it was raining quite steadily and adequately for any plants to get a good drink. Finally I looked at the local TV station weather radar. It showed that nice rain now and no rain until about three in the afternoon. Will the clothes be dry by then? It is hard to say, but for sure they will be drier than they are at this moment. They will languish on the line.  I will be watching the sky later this afternoon.

These phone app weather predictions have been wrong in the past, but I must be a slow learner since I/we still pay attention to them. I will have to find the local weather app and just put it front and center on the weather scene.

Yesterday when trimming plants at the church flower bed I accidently cut off two of the lily stems. It was with sadness that I brought them home where I put them in a bud vase and water. One of them is opening this morning. It is a lovely yellow, brightening our kitchen. Nice to get a bit of joy from it! There are two other buds, but not very developed so I am not sure they will manage to open.

Paula

Mask Wearing Or Not?

Hello,

At the grocery store this morning, I was surprised that so many people were there since it was pouring down rain. Then it was another surprise to meet many people going against the arrows on the floor and shelves. The third surprise was that only about half of the people had on a mask. The fourth surprise was that some have only a vague notion of social distancing.

For me, I wear the mask because I believe the scientists who tell us that it stops or slows the spread of this disease. Do others not believe scientists or just not care about me and any others? Or do they think no one is carrying this virus? It bothers me that so many seem to feel little regard for the whole community.

One person who was not wearing a mask, coming against the traffic, stepped up close to me as I was at the produce counter, and reached in to get what she wanted. I felt upset, but said nothing and stepped away momentarily so she could help herself and move on.

One person who was going the correct direction and maintaining some social distance only wore her mask over her mouth.

I suppose I could order curb side pickup, but I still like to go in the store and see the items, especially produce. There are those who feel I should do that if I do not like it that they do not wear a mask. Just whose freedom is being taken away?

Paula

Leroy is OK

Hello,

Leroy has been battling a headache for over two months now. It is not so bad that it puts him out of commission; however it had gotten to the point that he does not go a day without pain pills to help him manage. He thought it was a sinus infection so he has been taking several different types of help for that to no avail.

 He went to the doctor last week. He found no infection. He had blood work done with all good results. On the doctor’s recommendation he went to the eye doctor who also found nothing amiss. In fact his eyes are quite fine and almost tracking together.

Tuesday he had a CT scan. Today he learned that his brain and cranium looked quite fine. So he has a mystery ailment. For now he is going to try some medicine for a migraine. He will go back to the doctor in a month. It is the type of thing where we are glad he does not have a brain tumor or some other terrible thing, but a cause might have led to relief more quickly.

I also told Leroy that I have a yoga routine that is supposed to help with headaches. Migraines were mentioned with one of the breathing exercises. I was astonished when Leroy agreed to try that for a while. Course it is not an instant help, but over time it might make a difference. Generally Leroy does not like to do things if I am leading them. Perhaps he thinks I am too bossy. We will see how this goes. My feeling about it all is that it cannot hurt and he might feel better in some way. I know that I have found it to be beneficial for years. I started doing yoga when I was about 35 years old. Wow that is more than half a life time ago. I am grateful for that.

Paula

Emergency Meeting of Top Level Staff

Hello,

I got a call from a downstairs friend saying, “There is a white butterfly under the netting over your garden.”

“I will be right there to get that out!” I exclaimed.

I had not quite made it down the stairs when the phone rang again. Quickly I changed direction and got to the phone in record time. Picked it up to learn there was more to this drama. “It just flew out.” was the report.

“I will be down anyway; I want to see if I need to shore up any holes.” I said.

We held a high level conference in the front yard with no viable solution presenting itself. Worrisomely, the large white butterfly seemed to fly right through the netting as they watched. We had been so happy because the cabbage and broccoli look beautiful without those cabbage butterflies laying their eggs in there. The eggs are not the problem it is the pupa that chomps on the cabbage family leaves causing much damage. For now things will stay as they are because this does seem to deter those butterflies even if it does not stop them entirely. Leroy and I had been gloating about the wonderful result of having the net up to keep out the squirrels and rabbits. Seems there are hungry eaters every way we turn.

Paula